Roller-skates/sneakers with separable wheels

ABSTRACT

Roller-skates/sneakers with two pairs of separable wheels, by which the problem of their alternative adjusting for walking or roller-skating is solved, and which are at the same time safe, maneuverable, practical and simple to manufacture. The roller-skates consist of sneakers, which are laced with laces, an insole and two pairs of wheels separably fixed in the insole. The insole, which follows the shape of the foot and contains the front and rear axle and forms the load-bearing construction, is built into the lower part of the sneaker inside the sole. The wheel consists out of the middle plate lined with silicone rubber, an interchangeable mask, two bearings on the rims of central hollow part of the wheel, as well as two washers made of steel with two lids on the side of the wheel facing the sneaker.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject of the invention belongs, generally speaking, to the field of common life needs, i.e. the field of sports, games and recreation, more precisely to the field of skating, skiing and roller-skates. The subjection of invention, generally, can also belong to the field of footwear, more precisely to the field of sportswear of different characteristics.

According to the International Patent Classification (IPC) the subject of the invention has been marked and classified by basic classification symbols: A 63 C 17/02 which refers to roller-skates with two pairs of wheels, A 63 C 17/22 referring to the roller-skate wheels, and A 43 B 5/04 referring to the skiing footwear and thereto similar.

Technical Problem

The technical problem wished to be solved by the subject invention consists of the following: how to design roller-skates/sneakers with two pairs of separable wheels, which would be alternatively adjustable for walking or roller-skating, practical, safe, as well as easy to maneuver and direct in space. Due to its construction, the subject of the invention would provide a comfortable solution for feet; one that is simple to manufacture, easy to put on, roller-skate with, and maintain and handle.

BACKGROUND ART

In patent literature, numerous solutions of classic roller-skates have been described, under which the term roller-skates generally refers to the roller-skates with four wheels, distributed two by two in line, born by a specially-designed carrier adjusted for fixed or separable fixing onto the footwear of a user. The primary deficiency of these solutions is the reduced safety of roller-skating, considering that the maneuvering of roller-skates requires moving on a maximally even surface, which restricts and thereby reduces the use of these roller-skates. Apart from that, more wheels arranged in the described way increase the frictional resistance of roller-skating, decreasing the motion speed, all while making it difficult to maneuver the change of direction. These deficiencies have been largely tried to be overcome in roller-skates with a distribution of two or more wheels put in line one behind another, born in the middle of the soleplate of a roller-skate known as “Inline skates” roller-skates. In accordance with the ESPACENET, the applications for roller-skates of this type can be found in the available fund of the patent documentation, among which are the patent applications EP98118750A under the name “Inline Skate” and U.S. Pat. No. 6,152,459A under the name “In-line roller skate”. Within the known solutions for roller-skates of the abovementioned type, which consist of two pairs of mutually parallel wheels in line, roller-skates that are known are the ones consisting of soleplate bearing wheels with means of fixing them onto the common footwear.

Furthermore, there are roller-skates known in which the wheels can be fixed to enable walking on them. The defect of this known solution is that fixed wheels make walking significantly difficult, which defers the users from using them for this purpose, but rather exclusively for the purpose of roller-skating. Solutions such as these lack the option of detaching the wheels from the main construction, which makes walking uncomfortable and strenuous, even when the wheels are fixed to the construction in a way that eliminates their mobility. A similar solution can be observed in the patent applications DESC088240D and FR464879DA, in which the rollers are not put into the sole, but are movable by a side mechanism on shoes so that they can be turned in front or behind the shoes. The deficiency of this known solution is that the length of the shoes is thus increased to a great extent, which makes walking difficult. Apart from that, the length of the shoes makes them aesthetically displeasing when worn by the users. As a result, the use of the shoe is limited to roller-skating, seeing how it is unsuitable and rather uncomfortable for walking.

There is another known solution of roller-skates presented in the patent application EP0304585A1 titled “Sports Device” and it regards the sports construction for rolling or skating, consisting of a base plate with two or four pairs of wheels or skates as the supporting elements. These wheels or skates are arranged by adjacent oscillatory axles, with the help of which the sports device rests on the surface it moves on. However, the deficiency of this solution is that the device is made more in the shape of a skateboard, i.e. sleigh, and less in the shape of roller-skates of any kind.

Another notable solution can be found in the field of sneakers as sportswear, under the patent application GB2053657A. Its main defect is the lack of necessary elements which would allow the user to use the aforementioned for any other purpose but walking. Aside from the sports sneaker, this solution consists of a band of the elasticized fabric positioned in the central part of the sneaker, along with the patented zipper and tongue of the shoe positioned thereat.

Finally, novel patent literature recognizes another solution under WO03059474A1, known as the sports shoe with a detachable skates/roller skate seat, including a pivot connecting apparatus, a baffle plate and a locking latch apparatus. This solution combines the use of a part of the sneaker and the lower part of the roller consisting of wheels, or rather the use of a skate, all while connecting them via connecting device to make motion possible. Primary defects of this solution are in its complicated means of production, as well as complex elements that need to be connected via a special connecting device to allow for use of any sort, be it for walking, sliding or roller-skating. This leads to an increase in the production price of each of these separate pieces and the product as a whole, making it less affordable and difficult to use.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention relates to roller-skates/sneakers with two pairs of separable wheels, consisting of sneakers, insoles located in the sneakers, two front and two back wheels that are attached to the sneakers with screws, as well as other supporting elements.

The novelty of this invention is in the enhanced property of the sneaker as the part of the invention, which makes it, due to its construction, more convenient for walking in comparison to the earlier solutions since, instead of round axles, which rotated in the insole, axles in the cuboid form are placed on the outside. In this way, rotation of the axle within the insole is prevented. Solutions mentioned under the Background Art may have, to some extent, allowed for the user to roller-skate in them, but did not provide an option of safe and easy maneuvering for the purpose of walking. Due to the enhanced property of the sneaker, the metal framework of the sneaker is made of new material and it is of such construction which enables uninterrupted walking, considering that the process of detaching the wheels is made significantly easier for the user. The parts that can be removed from the sneaker have small dimensions, so the user can walk safely and comfortably, according to his/her preference at the given moment, without the problem of disposing of the bulky parts of the roller-skates that are removed in order to enable the walking function. This contributes to a better and more comfortable walking of the user, which is particularly important because it fully emphasizes the range of the dual function of this invention. By enhancing the construction of the sneaker and making detachment of the wheels from thereof easier, the inventor has achieved the result of a practical, simple and safe use, not only while roller-skating but as well when using the invention for walking.

The essence of the invention is in the construction of sneakers with two pairs of separable wheels which have a dual function, in that they can be used both for walking and for roller-skating, thus facilitating the user's mobility, which at the same time are practical, easy to maneuver, safe for walking and roller-skating, stable and economical to manufacture.

There are numerous advantages to this invention, among which the significant improvements worth mentioning are the use of thereof for practical and safe roller-skating, as well as easy walking, manufacturing and everyday use. This invention is stable, simple to maneuver, comfortable and most of all durable, considering that its life span could be unlimited, depending on the way the user handles the product. Moreover, the invention is suitable for serial production, which makes it financially viable and favorably priced for the end customer, considering the relatively low production cost.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

For the purpose of easier understanding of the invention, as well as for presenting how the easiest embodiment can be achieved in practice, the applicant refers to the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 represents the roller-skates/sneakers with two pairs of separable wheels, according to this invention, in axonometric view

FIG. 2 represents the roller-skate of FIG. 1 , in side view

FIG. 3 represents the roller-skate in the above view

FIG. 4 represents the roller-skate in the front view

FIG. 5 represents the sole of the roller-skate

FIG. 6 represents the insole of the sneaker

FIG. 7 represents the assembly elements of the insole of the sneaker represented in the FIG. 6

FIG. 8 represents the side/outer view of the wheel

FIG. 9 represents the front view of the wheel

FIG. 10 represents the A-A cross-section of the wheel

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to this invention and FIGS. 1 through 8 , the roller-skates 1 roughly consist of sneakers 2 (for the purpose of rationality, only the right sneaker is shown, the left one is its reflection in the mirror), insole 10 and two pairs of wheels 4, which are distributed so that two wheels 4 are in the front of the sneaker 2 and two wheels 4 are in the back of the sneaker 2.

The sneaker 2, according to FIGS. 1 through 4 , consists of the following basic parts: upper side 6 of the sneaker 2, visible from its outer view on FIG. 1 , made of fabric or any other relatively elastic material, tongue 7′ of the sneaker 2 on which the laces 3 rest, as well as the inner side 7 of the sneaker 2, visible from above on FIG. 3 . As shown in FIGS. 5-7 , upper side 6 of the sneaker 2 and the inner side 7 are firmly connected to the tongue 7′ at one end, over which the laces 3 are laced, while, on the other end, the sole 6′, in which the insole 10 is inserted, is connected to the upper side 6 and the inner side 7. Within the sole 6′ of the sneaker 2, the insole 10 is inserted through which pass the front axle 9 and the rear axle 8, whereby to the insole 10, on one end, the rear axle 8 is firmly connected, whereby the ends of the rear axle 8.1 and 8.2 are in the same axis, while the front axle is firmly connected to the sole 10 on the other end, so that the ends 9.1 and 9.2 of the front axle 9 are moved one to the other in value a in a plane parallel to the surface. The axle 8, on the outside, is shaped in the form of the elongated cuboid. On its lateral sides 8.4 and 8.5 on both of its ends 8.1. and 8.2 the holes are drilled in which screws 5 are inserted and screwed. Ends 9.1 and 9.2 of the front axle 9, on the outside, are shaped in the form of elongated cuboid, whereby its central part 9.3 has the shape of parallelepiped. It is essential to point out that the central part 9.3 is made as one piece together with its ends 9.1. and 9.2. whose vertices are identical. On its lateral sides 9.4 and 9.5 on both of its ends 9.1. and 9.2 the holes are drilled in which screws 5 are inserted and screwed.

The insole 10 is a construction made of composite materials, but for the purpose of the insole's 10 manufacturing, any other suitable material could also be used. Through the lower side of sneaker 2, at the level of the insole 10 and through it pass front axle 9 and rear axle 8, which can be clearly observed in FIGS. 4 through 7 . On the upper, outer side of the sneaker 2, in accordance with FIGS. 1 and 3 , there are adjustable laces 3 which, when tightened and relaxed, primarily allow for the sneaker 2 to be laced, as well as to adjust the level of stability and comfort for the user.

Wheel 4 consists of the middle plate 16, made out of solid material coated with silicon ring 12, where the interchangeable mask 11 of circular shape, as can be observed in FIG. 8 as well as the A-A cross-section in FIG. 10 , rests on both sides of the wheel 4. Through the central hollow part of the front wheel 4 passes the screw 5 which is to be screwed in the front axle 9, whereby through the central part of the rear wheel 4 passes the screw 5 which is to be screwed in the rear axle 8. Front axle 9 and rear axle 8 are integral parts of the sneaker 2, or rather its sole 6′, to which they are fixed and as such, they allow for front and back wheels 4 to be held. Front and back wheels 4 can be fixed to and removed from sneaker 2 by the means of screws 5, which are fixed to the front axle 9 and rear axle 8 with the standard tools. Each of the wheels 4 is modular, which makes them easy to mount so the roller-skates 1 could be used for the purpose of skating, as well as easy to remove so they could be used for the purpose of walking in the sneakers 2 without the wheels 4. On the rims of the central hollow part of the wheel 4, which passes through the middle plate 16 of the wheel, there are two bearings 13 of circular shape, while on the side of the wheel 4, which is turned towards the sneaker 2, there are two steel washers 15, whereby around the bearing 13 and part of the middle plate 16, there are two lids 14. The middle plate 16 is coated with the silicon ring 12 along the entire surface of the part of the wheel 4 which comes in contact with the ground used for moving around, according to FIGS. 8 through 10 . The axes of the front pair of wheels 4 are moved one to another for value a, whereby the moving is made in the plane parallel to the surface. Front wheel 4 from the inner side of the sneaker 2, at the thumb's place, in relation to the front wheel 4 on the outer side of sneaker 2, in the place of the little toe. The disposition was carried out for value a in a plane parallel to the ground, as shown in FIG. 7 . Unlike the front pair of wheels 4, the axes of the back pair of wheels 4 are coaxial, i.e. at the same distance from the back end of the sneaker 2 lengthwise. Each of the sneakers 2 has one front axle 9 and one rear axle 8.

Sole 6′ of the sneaker 2 is its sturdy, stable part, placed as a bottom of the sneaker 2 and cut so that in its inner side, an insole 10 which follows the shape of the foot, can fit it, including the axles 9,8 which are fixed and on which the wheels 4 can be mounted by the means of screws 5. Tongue 7′ of sneaker 2 is made out of fabric and together with the laces 3 it allows for a flexible and comfortable motion, where the tightness of the laces 3 is adjustable according to the needs of each individual user. In regards to the functioning, bearing in mind all the previously mentioned elements as well as their interrelation, there is no need for further description on how the invention is practically used. This is due to the fact that the detailed description of the invention, as well as its purpose, allow for an easy deduction of the manner in which the invention can be applied.

INDUSTRIAL AND OTHER APPLICABILITY OF THE INVENTION

Roller-skates/sneakers with two pairs of separable wheels are an invention that can be used in the everyday activities of its users. Its applicability enhances the regular use of a sports sneaker, which is customized in a multi-purposed manner that allows for the user to maneuver through space in different ways, most of all to roller-skate, slide and walk in an essentially easy way. The subject invention can be applied in different fields of commerce and various branches of industry, where its greatest potential could be reached in the sports industry. 

1.-6. (canceled)
 7. Roller-skates/sneakers comprising: sneakers comprising an upper side and an inner side and further comprising a tongue firmly connected at the upper side and the inner side at one end, over which laces are laced and connected to the upper side; a sole connected to the upper side and the inner side at another end; an insole inserted into the sole; a rear axle firmly connected to the insole, wherein the rear axle comprises two ends on the same axis; a front axle firmly connected to the insole at its other end, wherein the front axle comprises two ends that are moveable from one to the other for a value a and in a plane parallel to the ground; a screw, wherein one end of the screw is detachably connected to the front axle, and wherein a pair of wheels are firmly and detachably connected to another end of the screw; and wherein the rear axle is in the shape of an elongated cuboid and wherein each end of the two ends of the rear axle comprise a drilled circular hole for accepting a screw.
 8. The roller-skates/sneakers, according to claim 7, wherein the ends of the front axle are each in the shape of an elongated cuboid, and wherein the front axle further comprises a central part in the form of a parallelepiped, wherein the central part is made as one piece together with ends, wherein vertices of the central part and vertices of the ends are identical and wherein each end of the two ends of the front axle comprise a drilled circular hole for accepting a screw. 